About
Staff
Meet the BBER team of researchers, analysts, and program staff supporting data, forecasting, and economic research in New Mexico.

Director
Michael ‘Mo’ O’Donnell is the Director of The University of New Mexico’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research. Dr. O’Donnell received a JD and a Masters in Agricultural and Resource Economics, both from the University of Arizona, and, a PhD in Economics from the University of New Mexico. He is a member of the Arizona State Bar. For over a decade, Dr. O’Donnell has been responsible for managing BBER’s quarterly...
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Senior Program Manager
Suzan has been with BBER since 2013 and oversees the BBER Data Bank. Suzan has over 20 years of experience in analyzing industry and occupation statistics for New Mexico’s economy. Prior to working at BBER, Suzan worked for New Mexico’s Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS), Economic Research and Analysis Bureau, where she worked on a variety of programs involving labor market Information. As a labor economist,...
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Senior Research Scientist
Julian, a Senior Research Scientist, joined BBER in 2015. He has authored projects on diverse topics, including capital access, work force development, economic development, housing, public finance, and local agriculture. Prior to BBER, Julian worked for over a decade as the Deputy Chief Investment Officer and as a portfolio manager at the New Mexico public employees pension system and the New Mexico State...
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Senior Research Scientist
Rose Elizabeth Rohrer joined BBER as a Research Scientist in 2019. Her research interests focus on the intersection of environmental and social issues, especially in rural communities. At BBER, Rose has worked on various projects including a study investigating the economic challenges and opportunities of uranium mine remediation for the State and the potential economic impact of community solar developments in New...
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Research Scientist
Charis Ailes is a Research Scientist who joined the team at The University of New Mexico’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research in January 2023. She holds two Master’s degrees in economics, the first from New Mexico State University and concentrated on Public Policy Analysis; the second from The University of New Mexico, with a concentration in Public Economics. Having started out with a Bachelor’s in Sociology,...
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Research Scientist
Alexis is a Research Scientist at UNM’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research. She joined BBER in August 2020 as a Research Assistant and received a full-time promotion to Research Scientist following her graduation from UNM in May 2023. Her areas of interest and specialization include transportation, labor, development, financial markets, and quantitative methods. She has contributed to various research projects...
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Student Research Assistant
Marcu Andrei Dumitrescu is a graduate of New Mexico State University, where he earned dual bachelor's degrees in marketing and finance. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Analytics at The University of New Mexico, further developing his expertise in data-driven decision making and business strategy. Marcu joined BBER in June 2026 as a Student Research Assistant, where he...
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Student Research Assistant
Meghann Chávez is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of History. She holds an MA in Public History from Florida International University as well as undergraduate degrees in both Economics and History from the University of Colorado. Her work experience is primarily in accounting, but also includes museums, historic sites, editing, and teaching in both History and Spanish. At The University of New Mexico, her...
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Student Research Assistant
Chloe Montoya is a junior at The University of New Mexico pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in statistics. Growing up in New Mexico cultivated her love of nature and appreciation for the state’s agricultural heritage. She is interested in agricultural economics and econometrics. Through her coursework and current role, she is developing her skills in economic research and data analysis. She...
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